Shotlist

"I turn on the TV, open the newspapers and I see stories of chaos. Chaos. Yet it is the exact opposite. This administration is running like a fine-tuned machine, despite the fact that I can't get my cabinet approved. And they're outstanding people."

3. Audience

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"So we have a wonderful group of people that's working very hard, that's being very much misrepresented about and we can't let that happen. So, if the Democrats who have - all you have to do is look at where they are right now. The only thing they can do is delay because they screwed things up royally, believe me. Let me list to you some of the things that we've done in just a short period of time. I just got here. And I got here with no cabinet."

5. Audience

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"We've undertaken the most substantial border security measures in a generation to keep our nation and our tax dollars safe. And are now in the process of beginning to build a promised wall on the southern border, met with general - now Secretary (of Homeland Security John) Kelly yesterday and we're starting that process. And the wall is going to be a great wall and it's going to be a wall negotiated by me. The price is going to come down just like it has on everything else I've negotiated for the government."

7. Trump speaking

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"We have taken decisive action to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of our country. No parts are necessary and constitutional actions were blocked by judges', in my opinion, incorrect, and unsafe ruling. Our administration is working night and day to keep you safe, including reporters safe. And is vigorously defending this lawful order. I will not back down from defending our country. I got elected on defence of our country. I keep my campaign promises, and our citizens will be very happy when they see the result. They already are, I can tell you that."

9. Trump speaking

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"We're issuing a new executive action next week that will comprehensively protect our country. So we'll be going along the one path and hopefully winning that, at the same time we will be issuing a new and very comprehensive order to protect our people. That will be done sometime next week, toward the beginning or middle at the latest part."

Storyline

The HD rushes for this story are available here: smb://lonvapnas02arc/ap_archive_manual/workflow_directories/manual_fulfillment/Offline_Archive/Source_Clips/News Rushes

US President Donald Trump mounted a vigorous defense of his presidency Thursday, telling reporters his administration was like a "fine-tuned machine".

Nearly a month into his presidency, Trump said in a free-wheeling White House news conference that he would keep working to defend the country.

The president denounced media reports of a chaotic start to his administration marked by a contentious executive order - now tied up in a legal fight - to place a ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations.